Candidate for Vice President Committee, 2025 - 2026

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Kara Hedman, BSN, DNP, CRNA

Fast Facts About Kara

  • Lives in the Western Educational District
  • Highland Hospital, United Memorial Medical Center
  • 9 years as a CRNA in New York

I was born and raised in Clarence, New York, just outside of Buffalo. From an early age, I enjoyed a wide range of activities including horseback riding, skiing, playing the clarinet, and soccer. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry from Houghton College, then went on to complete the Accelerated Nursing Program at the University of Rochester while working as a patient care technician.

After graduating, I began my nursing career in the Intensive Care Unit at Highland Hospital, where I worked for two years before pursuing my Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia at the University at Buffalo. Two weeks before walking across the stage at graduation, I welcomed my first son, Derek—now 9—who happily reminds me how long I’ve been practicing as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Three years later, I had my second son, Alexander. Parenthood has been both challenging and rewarding, and my boys are truly the heart of my world.

Over the years, I’ve worked in many hospitals and surgical centers throughout Rochester, New York, where my family and I currently live in a semi-rural area. We share our home with a flock of about 16 chickens and our cat, Max.

What are the biggest challenges facing the profession?

For the overall profession I believe the biggest challenge is being recognized as the safe, competent, and capable providers we are. There is a large majority of the public that still does not know what a CRNA is and what we do. I think that we were the best kept secret in healthcare for too long.

What experiences, ideas, connection or resources do you have that would allow you to help with those challenges?

I think that everyone can change this on an individual level. Be proud of what you do, introduce yourself as a CRNA. Tell friends and families about your profession; I think that everyone has connections, resources and a network that would help with our recognition. I think the experiences and connections that I have are similar to those of most CRNAs, but what we do can be so impactful. We have a platform every day when we go to work. I love when patients who have older children come back to the hospital in labor, recognize me, and feel such relief and gratitude knowing that I will be placing their epidural again. I enjoy talking and connecting with other providers, nurses, patients, and family members. I personally have connections with past and present members of the board, as well as many CRNAs in the Western NY area. 

Name one skill or strength you possess that is unmatched by your colleagues or peers

I don't know that this is a strength that is unmatched because I feel as though as nurses, we are all very good at this- connecting with people. I would say that most CRNAs can relate well to a wide range of people and have high emotional intelligence. We are discerning and know when it's appropriate to say something or not say something; we know when humor is appropriate and when it's better to be very direct with the procedure and plan. I think this coupled with a high degree of clinical skill makes us as a profession stand out. I think that I personally have built great resilience as a provider, I am labeled as a black cloud in most places I work. I've tried to turn my bad luck into a strength. 

What do you love about being a CRNA? What drew you to the profession?

I love being a part of people's story. When they talk about their surgery, or their experience with childbirth, I wish to always be a light in their journey. I enjoy brightening the day and bringing an upbeat, positive energy. There were a couple components of the profession that drew me in. The first was the intellectual challenge of it. I was always very interested in science and biology, but I didn't know where this fit into my career. Working in a lab didn't seem like a good fit for me, I wanted variation in my work life. Another thing I wanted out of my career was one that would give me great job satisfaction, something I would be really proud of. I found that in this profession. 

Please provide at least one idea you believe will engage or involve members to advance NYSANA’s mission.

Member engagement can be so challenging. So many people focus on the negatives and what NYSANA can do for them; instead of getting involved in the organization to see how much time and energy is volunteered by people just like them. Having engaging meetings, with excellent speakers, and hands on learning is important and can draw in some members. It's very important that members realize how crucial it is to be politically involved. Going to your legislators as a constituent is very impactful, your story and your experience can change their support on bills NYSANA brings forward. It can be the difference; it can tip the scales. The NYSANA board is there to support you when you do this, you will be spoon-fed what to say, or what to write. They will go with you if they are able. I think we need to move with a sense of urgency because we are greatly opposed.